Letters from Sister Alston: Keokuk

Hey there everyone!

Zone Training Meetings were this past week: Sister Andersen and I had planned our training for the Quincy Zone, got there, and when we got there we both had the feeling that it wasn't what we needed to train on. It ended up being an extremely powerful and spirit-lead discussion on our purpose as missionaries, how the work is progressing and changing and involving so many more aspects... how we all have been given different personalities, talents, and abilities so that we could benefit different people. We are all placed exactly where we are needed at this time, so that we can touch the lives of those around us and develop certain things along the way. HAHA... as I wrote that, it was a good reminder for me today as well! Love it when that happens! Anyways, it turned into a testimony meeting of sorts, and was exactly what Heavenly Father wanted it to be. When we got back to Keokuk, we decided we should follow up with an older lady we had met named Nadine. We were let right in, and she just talked our ears off about how grateful she is to have the Lord in her life. She is such a sweetheart and has such a great spirit. We went to the branch relief society activity where we learned: how to cut a quilt square, how to frost cupcakes and cookies, and how to make homemade laundry soap!...actually the laundry soap making was quite fun!...haha.

We were able to see a former investigator for a second, but she was headed out and didn't have time to talk on Wednesday, but she called us on Thursday and said she was having a really rough time and wanted us to come when we could. We couldn't get over there until Friday morning, but she opened the door and started bawling, saying she had just been thinking about calling us again. You know, I can't count the times things like this have happened, and I know it's because the Lord really is leading us along as we are in tune; and I am so grateful for these precious moments that remind me I am where I need to be.

Friday was Sister Andersen's Birthday!!!! The big 2-0!!! :) How did we celebrate you ask?... oh... well, we woke up, had a lesson with a member's friend who's awesome, did some weekly planning, went to the chiropractor, finished weekly planning, played some soccer and softball with the Salyers family while dinner was cooking, and ate steak!!!...oh! and then went and did baptisms at the temple! It was quite a glorious day I'd say! ...and the first time I've done baptisms in the Nauvoo temple, so cool! I LOVE THE TEMPLE. :) :) :)

So Sunday morning we texted all our investigators to see if they were coming to church, and all said no for some reason or another... but we turn around and in walks the Salyers and we about had heart attacks! haha. I guess they were planning on coming the whole time and just didn't tell us! It was fantastic! Oh and it was the primary program, and it almost made me cry because I miss Tasia up there singin!!! Awe man... Sundays are the best.

Well that is just a little bit our my week here in Keokuk... thanks to everyone for the emails, updates, prayers and love! LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!

Sister Natalia Alston